How Real Estate Agents Can Get More Done in Less Time

As a real estate agent, you’re constantly on the go. If you work with a brokerage, you likely have access to a commercial office space when you need to sit down and get some work done. Solo agents don’t typically have the same luxury, which is where virtual offices can come in handy.

From virtual assistants who can help you get more done in less time, to the nuances of different virtual office spaces, here's everything real estate agents need to know about working from a virtual office.

Understanding virtual office spaces

The term ‘virtual office’ can mean different things to different people. When we use it, we’re talking about the various types of office space a professional can rent (which means no long-term leases):

• Coworking spaces
• Private offices
• Executive offices
• Shared offices
• Meeting rooms
• Conference rooms

Real estate agents could take advantage of any option on this list, including meeting rooms and conference rooms that can be rented by the hour. These spaces also have all the standard office equipment you might need, including printers and scanners.

What type of virtual office is best for my real estate business?

Coworking spaces are shared amongst professionals, so they aren’t the best option if you’ll be making and receiving phone calls frequently. However, if you would strongly prefer a shared office arrangement, many virtual offices have quiet nooks, booths, and corners where members can freely hold phone calls. When you need to meet with a client, rentable meeting rooms are an ideal solution.

It’s worth noting that coworking spaces can be distracting for some people, even if the environment is generally quiet. Most solo real estate agents prefer some type of private office, which isn’t as expensive as you might assume. These spaces can also be rented on a part-time basis, which is helpful for a profession that has you out of the office most of the time.

Taking advantage of additional virtual services

Many virtual office spaces also offer a variety of support services for business owners — some even have virtual assistants with direct real estate experience. These assistants are available to help with any number of tasks, just take a look at this list that explains some of the projects they can tackle.

If you think you could use some extra help with your real estate business, ask about these additional services when vetting office space providers. One important thing to look out for is whether reception services are local or outsourced. As a real estate agent, if you hire a virtual assistant to help take phone calls, using an assistant with local knowledge can make a huge difference.